Rucinski (hamstring) is scheduled to throw a simulated game Saturday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.
If all goes smoothly during the workout, Rucinski will advance to a minor-league rehab assignment next week with Triple-A Las Vegas. The 34-year-old right-hander signed with the Athletics over the winter following four successful seasons in Korea. He should be part of Oakland's starting rotation by the end of April as he moves past a left hamstring strain that popped up in late March.